John Hancock was born in Braintree, Massachusetts, the son of Reverend John Hancock and Mary Hawke. They lived in a part of town which eventually became the separate city of Quincy, Massachusetts, where John became a childhood friend of John Adams. In 1742, his father died and John was adopted by his paternal uncle—Thomas Hancock, who had no children and was a highly successful merchant and privateer who lived in Hancock Manor in Boston.
After graduating from the Boston Latin School in 1750, he enrolled in Harvard University and received a bachelors degree in 1754. Upon graduation, he worked for his uncle and was trained for eventually partnership. From 1760 to 1761, John lived in England while building relationships with customers and suppliers of his uncle's shipbuilding business. In January 1763, his uncle made him a full partner. Because of his uncle's illness, John took the leading role in the business. In August 1764, his uncle died and John inherited the business, Hancock Manor, and became one of the wealthiest men in America.[1]
After graduating from the Boston Latin School in 1750, he enrolled in Harvard University and received a bachelors degree in 1754. Upon graduation, he worked for his uncle and was trained for eventually partnership. From 1760 to 1761, John lived in England while building relationships with customers and suppliers of his uncle's shipbuilding business. In January 1763, his uncle made him a full partner. Because of his uncle's illness, John took the leading role in the business. In August 1764, his uncle died and John inherited the business, Hancock Manor, and became one of the wealthiest men in America.[1]